We serve as a trusted resource for the latest news and helpful information related to skin health and surface hygiene advancements. GOJO microbiologists, scientists,
nurses and other professionals post regularly
and we also get the views of outside experts and
thought leaders in the field. It’s all part of the
GOJO Purpose, Saving Lives and Making Lives Better Through Well-Being Solutions.
Promoting Wellness in the Workplace
3/3/2023
By Jim Arbogast, Ph.D.
Hygiene Sciences and Public Health Advancements Vice President, GOJO Industries
Workplaces have evolved over the course of the pandemic. For some, what once was a daily commute to the office has shifted to hybrid and flexible work schedules. Over the past year, workers have been returning to their offices more frequently. Recently, Kastle Systems data passed 50% office occupancy in the U.S. for the first time since the pandemic began.
Read more »
What is Norovirus?
2/21/2023
By Chip Manuel, Ph.D.
Food Safety Science Advisor, GOJO Industries
Also By Megan J. DiGiorgio, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Senior Clinical Manager, GOJO Industries
CDC data shows that cases of norovirus (aka "the stomach bug") are rising. Recently, there have been multiple elementary schools in the news after outbreaks. You may have even heard from friends who had a recent bout with the dreaded "stomach flu." This blog will cover the basics about norovirus to help you prepare personally and prevent an outbreak at your business/school.
Read more »
Tips to Prevent Norovirus Outbreaks in K-12 Schools
2/16/2023
By Dawn Yeomans, Ph.D.
Research Principal, GOJO Industries
Schools are common settings for spreading germs and illnesses, particularly during the cold winter months when people spend more time inside. While the flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) seem to have peaked for this season, norovirus and other "stomach bugs" are wreaking havoc on K-12 schools. A few elementary schools have even been in the U.S. news recently with norovirus outbreaks, some even canceling school for a few days.
Read more »
Why You Catch a Cold – Is It the Weather, Biology of Your Nose, or Both?
12/9/2022
By Dawn Yeomans, Ph.D.
Research Principal, GOJO Industries
As you may know, winter is prime time for the circulation of respiratory viruses like those that cause colds and the flu. But have you ever wondered why we are more likely to catch colds when the weather cools down? One reasonable explanation is that we tend to spend more time inside during the day when it’s cold and dreary outside – in schools, offices, and other indoor environments – which means lower ventilation levels and closer contact with each other. These factors mean that once one person catches a cold or another respiratory virus like those that cause the flu or COVID, it can more easily spread to others.
Read more »
5 Steps for Schools to Prepare for Cold, Flu, and RSV Season
10/20/2022
By Dawn Yeomans, Ph.D.
Research Principal, GOJO Industries
With the fall semester in high gear and Thanksgiving and winter breaks quickly approaching, many schools are on the lookout for another seasonal element that has the potential to disrupt their operations – the arrival of cold and flu season. Unlike other illnesses that are difficult to predict, each year, like clockwork, an army of respiratory viruses that cause cold and flu-like symptoms invades our schools, typically starting in the early fall and peaking between the months of December and February – though they appear to be starting early this year.
Read more »
Flu Severity This Winter – Be Prepared
9/15/2022
By James Bingham, MS
Senior Research Microbiologist, GOJO
The past two flu seasons have been mild ones, with very little virus circulating. Because of that, people’s immune systems may be more susceptible to the influenza virus, particularly younger children who may have previously had little or no exposure to the virus. Given these recent mild seasons during the pandemic, public health experts have been concerned that a severe flu season is on the horizon. Further, if it’s also circulating while COVID-19 cases are elevated, it could cause an added burden to our healthcare system. Based on the southern hemisphere’s flu season this year, public health experts are anticipating a moderate to severe flu season for the U.S. and northern hemisphere.
Read more »
Let’s Partner Together to Promote Hand Hygiene
4/18/2022
By Jim Arbogast, Ph.D.
Hygiene Sciences and Public Health Advancements Vice President, GOJO Industries
As World Hand Hygiene Day approaches on May 5th, we join hospitals around the globe and the World Health Organization (WHO) in raising awareness about the importance of hand hygiene. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently at key moments and washing with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated are key steps in any infection prevention program. Public health organizations all over the world join in this celebration, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Canada.
Read more »
Holiday Celebrations Call for Clean Hands and Surfaces
11/23/2020
By Kristen Green
Clinical Scientist, GOJO Industries
As colder weather arrives, we’re all spending more time indoors. Since we’ve already spent so much extra time at home this year, we’ve already cleaned out our closets, dusted off our bookshelves, and maybe even tackled that scary storage area in your basement. As winter approaches and we turn our focus to our holiday traditions, we shouldn’t forget some steps to keep germs – tiny bacteria that can make you sick – out of your home and off your holiday dining table.
Read more »
Measles Awareness: Help Stop Transmission
6/18/2019
By Rachel Leslie
Clinical Science Manager, GOJO Industries
While Measles was declared eliminated in 2000, the United States is now experiencing the highest number of measles cases since 1994.
Read more »
Patient Safety in the Ambulatory Setting
3/14/2019
By Megan J. DiGiorgio, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Senior Clinical Manager, GOJO Industries
More and more patient care is being provided in the outpatient – or ambulatory – setting due to financial incentives, clinical innovation and patient preference.
Read more »